Selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Abstract

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been shown to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction as therapy in several forms of open-angle glaucoma. The preservation of trabecular meshwork (TM) architecture and the demonstrated efficacy in lowering IOP make SLT a reasonable and safe alternative to argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). SLT may also be effective for cases of failed ALT and is a procedure that may also be repeatable, unlike ALT. SLT is also a simple technique for an ophthalmologist to learn as the large spot size eliminates the need to locate a particular zone of treatment on the TM. SLT has been demonstrated to be effective as primary treatment for open angle glaucoma and can be an effective adjunct in the early treatment of glaucoma. Furthermore, SLT can be considered as a primary treatment option in patients who cannot tolerate or who are noncompliant with their glaucoma medications, without interfering with the success of future surgery.